# data[].attributes.body
After reading all of the articles, I feel like I have a better understanding of both sides of those who support bullfighting, and those who are against it. I know I am not the most fond of bullfighting or the running of the bulls, but I now understand why individuals do enjoy it. In the article, Showcase: Running of the Bulls, I feel as though Jim Hollander expresses that bullfighting is not just a form of entertainment but there is a sense of beauty and respect to it, and to the bulls. It is a part of the Spanish history and the bulls that are put into the ring, or the running, go down to be a part of that history. With that being said, I agree with those who say bullfighting is not fair and inhumane towards the bulls. Many bulls die each year, and it is good that these things are being recognized and seeing that running of the bulls, and bullfighting is strongly linked to history, it is understandable that it continues on, but the recognition is good in a sense where the treatment of bulls is getting better. The first article mentions that recently it is now banned to kill a bull during the festival where bulls are speared throughout the streets.

At the bottom of the article about Jim Hollander and his support for bull related festivals, I read many of the comments left by other individuals who read the article as well. There were many different opinions that were strongly for and against what he was saying. This really intrigued me to look further into the public’s thoughts about bullfighting so I found an article that really lays out given arguments that are for and against bullfighting, along with some videos and neat pictures of bullfighting rings.

https://soapboxie.com/social-issues/arguments-for-and-against-bullfighting

# data[].attributes.body
Generally speaking, casting off reactionary elements of cultural can be a difficult task, especially if those elements have been a cultural staple for hundreds of years. This isn't just endemic to Spain and bullfighting, this is a universal constant. The United States has only been a country for some 243 years, a blip in time compared to most European countries, and has deeply entrenched cultural aspects which are highly resistant to change. As overtly barbaric as bullfighting might seem and as public opinion turns against it, I assume it'll take at least a generation or two to make significant headway into its abolition. Again, this is assuming the current trend continues, and there isn't significant pushback in order to maintain it as a cultural staple.

Anyway, here's a peer reviewed article showing the effects on viewing bullfights on younger people. It did have a negative effect regarding aggression and anxiety, but how the fights were contextualized also played a role in how they effected the children.

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/1df9/66bc534d8a0c14c50e82da4ab161d3182915.pdf

# data[].attributes.body
The extent of knowledge that I had on bullfighting in Spain is from what I have seen in movies and cartoons growing up. That being said, the automatic association between Spain and bullfighting proves the strong cultural connection of deep rooted tradition. But I never quite took a moment to realize exactly what it entailed, besides the lighthearted way it has been presented. I was not aware that these bulls were getting speared at these different events, which is why I can see why it is such a controversial issue, because the act is collectively celebrated and encouraged. When I read about the Running of the Bulls festival, my first thought was "How many people have been injured from that?" It seemed incredibly dangerous and leaves it for people to decide at what point their safety is worth compromising for the sake of tradition.  Reading these articles shows there are people with strong feelings from both perspectives.

https://www.syracuse.com/us-news/2018/07/running_of_the_bulls_pamplona_photos.html

In 2018, nine runners were injured on the first day of the race. Four runners were hospitalized on the third day and two of those suffered head injuries. Additionally, in that same week two bullfighters were gored.

# data[].attributes.body
It's difficult for me to differentiate between the sport & tradition of bull fighting. I want to see past my personal frustration with the tradition, and I think some valid points are made in the NYT article where the author writes that the bulls live more than adequately up until the bull fight. Yet, I can't honestly say I agree with the tradition, especially when human lives are on the line. Reading all the articles, I feel as if I have a greater understanding of why the tradition is held. That being said, there are plenty of traditions and sports that can trigger the same adrenaline and aggression without involving animals in the matter. I read that bull fighting is on the decline in many parts of Spain, and I see a parallel to life in the United States; A lot of cruel or strange traditions we Americans have are becoming antiquated as appeals to tradition aren't as respected as they once were 100 years ago.

http://time.com/4386999/pamplona-spain-running-of-the-bulls/

In the same thread of thought, the tradition originally had a practical use: ranchers had to migrate bulls from one end of town to the other using the streets like a natural queue, and it was seen as a sign of bravery to run with the bulls in the middle of the night.

# data[].attributes.body
Before taking this class or reading about the bullfight I had seen it in a movie and my initial thought was “it is so dangerous and people are crazy to participate in something like this.” After reading the articles I have a much better understanding of the tradition and I can see it from different perspectives. It is hard for me to say that the practice should be continued but at the same time I totally understand how its a tradition followed by Spaniards from centuries and it is hard for them to let go of it. I liked how the articles gave perspectives of both sides and I even read through the comments on the articles which gave me a better understanding of what the local people think about it and why or why don’t they support it.

Considering all the facts and opinions from both ends of the topic, I believe this practice should end due to the cruelty bulls have to go through. I strongly believe in preserving one's culture and traditions but with time, it is imperative to change our thinking with the passage of time. The killing of any animal on the name of tradition should never be accepted and it should be our responsibility, as humans to protect these creatures.

https://www.peta.org.uk/blog/bulls-barbarically-killed-and-15-people-injured-at-pamplonas-running-of-the-bulls/

After watching the video attached to the article, I feel like taking my words back when I said I can understand why its hard for the people to let go of the tradition. The video showed a horrifying image of the bulls getting stabbed brutally. No logic can defend such brutal killing of the bulls. At first, I didn’t know about this specific killing of bulls by spearing them but after watching the video, I totally condemn it.

# data[].attributes.body
Bullfighting is very much an integral part of Spain's culture and history. Although I am all for honoring traditions and keeping history alive, bullfighting is not something regions of Spain should participate in. I love animals, and knowing they are being harmed because that is what was done in the 1500s and will continue now doesn't sit well with me. There are alternate way to show future generations these traditions. One of the articles mentioned museums and that these practices belong there. Videos also work just as well! As we are becoming more aware and begin to advocate more than even for ourselves, we also need to do so for our environment which includes animals.

https://youngadventuress.com/2013/04/recortadores-bullfighting-spain.html

“For me, there is nothing noble, brave or majestic about bullfights anymore in Spain. It’s just a show, an act, and ultimately torment and death. Whatever glory or honor there was in the days of Hemingway and Goya, nowadays is lost.”

I chose to highlight the alternatives for bullfighting. If bulls and toreros are associated with Spain, why not do it in a positive way? Recortadores are bullfighting acrobatics. Basically, the recortadores do tricks and jumps over and around the bull in competition, this event is all nonviolent and they don’t kill or harm the bull at all. It is very rare to find these events as they are not attended as heavily as the violent bullfighting events. I find the men who participate in the recoradores to be very brave, it takes guts to be in the same are as a 1500 lb bull.

# data[].attributes.body
It's difficult to have an opinion on a cultural activity like bullfighting, because I can't deny that it's a big part of Spanish culture, however, I feel the event is dated and too cruel to hold the same significance today as it did throughout Spanish history. In recent years, bullfighting has become less popular in many regions of Spain in the last couple of decades, but bull-related festivities still remain. I am completely against both. I hope that bullfighting will completely die and/or be fully banned within the next two decades, because it is something that cannot be justified in face of all the animal welfare laws we have.

However, it will be difficult to end other bull-related festivities. People in favour say that the bulls aren't physically hurt (arguably), and certainly they are not killed, but the amount of stress they are put into is not good and should not be allowed. There's also the issue that some festivities bring a lot of money, San Fermín ("the running of the bulls") brings millions to Pamplona each year.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Josep F. Vandellos Alamilla
The spectacle of bullfighting has always been marred by controversy, and it remains a contentious and much debated topic in Spain and around the world. 1 On the one hand, it has zealous followers who support and enjoy bullfighting; and on the other, sections of the population who consider it to be a cruel and barbaric event.

Throughout history, there have been various arguments surrounding its legality. Initially, the debate was related to religious considerations. 2 Over time, it evolved to protecting animal rights; and, more recently, to the alleged adverse effects of exposing minors to bullfights 3 (which were denied by the Spanish Government 4 and representative NGOs 5).

Despite the controversies, what is evident is that bullfighting is still lawful in Spain and remains an important part of Spanish culture. To help shed further light on the tradition and its regulation, this article explains:

what bullfighting is;

how it is regulated; and

what the future holds, given the Spanish Constitutional Court's decision of 2016 which overturned Catalan's ban 6.

Bullfighting - a sport, or an art?

Before answering this question, it would be interesting to have a quick look at how strongly bull-related events are entrenched in Spanish culture. Public data shows that during 2017, nearly 20,000 events related to bulls were celebrated. Out of these c.18,000 were popular and community festivities with bulls in the streets 7 (e.g. San Fermin Feria) and 1,553 were strictly speaking, bullfights 8. A 2018 study of Fundacion Toro de Lidia 9 reported that the number of people attending bullfighting events outnumbers people demonstrating against it.

The economic scale of the bullfighting industry is probably greater than people expect. The San Isidro feria held in the bullring of Las Ventas in Madrid each year in May had an economic impact of c.73m Euro in 2018 and gathered more than 620,000 spectators (i.e around 20.000 spectators per event). The impact of the San Fermin feria in Pamplona is similar, bringing in c.74M Euro per year 10. The estimated yearly impact of the entire industry is of c.1.600 M Euro 11.

With these parameters in mind, a technical definition of bullfighting would very much sound like this:

" The bullfight, as it exists today, consists in the ceremonious killing of a number of bulls, generally six, according to a formalized and traditional sequence of manoeuvers designed to display the skill and valor of the torero and the power and bravery of the bull, while at the same time taking advantage of the bull's fighting instincts to bring it into the position and condition in which it can be perfectly killed according to the rules of the art12 ".

The bullfighting season in Spain usually starts in March and ends in October. There are different disciplines or types of bullfighting. Amongst them, the most popular one is foot bullfighting 13. A classic corrida de toros will consist of six bulls of minimum 460 kilos between 4 and 6 years of age, that have been never fought before; and three matadores, each of them with their respective squads, formed by two mounted assistants ( picadores), three banderilleros and one weapon assistant. These squads will intervene and assist the matador throughout the three different stages of the spectacle that follow traditional customs and are regulated in detail by law. Each matador will have to fight two bulls.

Once the bull has met its fate, it will be, as a general rule, up to the public to decide by acclamation whether or not the bullfighter is deserving of a trophy. The trophy for putting up a memorable performance are quite unique. It could involve the spectators asking the matador to take a lap of victory around the arena in some cases he might be awarded one or two of the bull's ears, and sometimes the matador is given permission to leave the arena on the shoulders of fans. The President (i.e. public authority) of the bullring may also grant the matador with the bull's tail 14.

Likewise, in exceptional circumstances where the bull has shown great bravery and courage throughout all the stages of the spectacle, the President may grant the pardon so that the animal is kept as a stud, used to preserve the purity of the race. Three conditions must be met in order to grant the pardon. First, the public must ask for it by acclamation; second, the matador must also request it; and finally, the breeder must give his consent.

However, it is impossible through written definition to emphasize the highly emotional component inherent to the spectacle, because when seasoned aficionados attend a corrida, they expect to be deeply touched by it in the same way one experiences a plethora of emotions at an opera or at a music concert. Without that emotional connection, the event is failure. Quoting some foreign authors 15, bullfighting is " a tragedy in three acts (...). The essence of tragedy lies in this: a gallant struggle against the inevitable decree of fate ", the real representation of man against the unknown. This is how bullfighters conceive their profession and what the audience expects to see and feel when attending a corrida.

Admittedly, bullfighters must have a strong physical fitness condition in order to adequately master the different techniques required to perform and train as much as professional athletes do 16. However, despite the apparent and undeniable athletic features of bullfighting, the artistic component prevails and as opposed to other manifestations like bull riding in America 17 or Jallikattu in India 18, bullfighters are seen primarily as artists rather than athletes.

How is bullfighting regulated?

Despite its ancient origins, bullfighting was not formally regulated in Spain until the second half of the nineteenth century. Up until then, there have been a good number of laws, in most cases related to the limitation or prohibition of bullfighting, alternating with periods of tolerance and support. Then, in the nineteenth century, specific regulations of bullrings were enacted, 19 coinciding with the construction of bullrings in many cities.

At the present time, to have an overview of the regulation on bullfights, one must look towards European Community Law and in Spanish national laws.

Article 13 of the TFEU 20 specifies that in the implementation of policies affecting animals,

" the Union and Member States will pay full respect to the welfare requirements of animals, while respecting the legislative or administrative provisions and customs of the Member States relating in particular to religious rites, cultural traditions and regional heritage ".

Likewise, Directive 93/119 21 on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing explicitly excludes from its scope of application animals which are killed in cultural or sports events.

In Spain, the Constitution makes no reference whatsoever to bullfighting. Legal scholars 22 and lawmakers have relied on the artistic and customary component to claim its protection. It is in that context that bullfighting is erected as part of " the right to literary, artistic, scientific and technical production and creation" in section 20 par. 1 lett. b) of the Spanish Constitution 23 and other fundamental rights such freedom of enterprise or the right to freely choose a profession.

Indeed, the artistic nature of bullfighting is explicitly acknowledged by Law 18/2013 for the regulation of tauromachy as cultural heritage24.This law represents the implementation of a state policy aimed at protecting and promoting tauromachy after the attempts of some regions in Spain to outlaw or alter the essence of bullfighting.

Sitting below the Constitution is Law 10/1991 25 on the administrative powers over bullfighting spectacles and the Royal Decree 145/199626 developing the law. These two norms contain all aspects related to the preparation, organization and celebration of bullfights from both -quoting Professor Luis Hurtado Gonzalez- the external and internal perspective27.

The external perspective is basically those administrative requirements for the organization of the event; the policy of the spectacle. They refer to matters that do not touch directly upon bullfighting such as permits; the role of the veterinarians; the transportation and control of the bulls; the registration in the General Registry of Bullfighting Professionals of the different categories of persons intervening in the event; the Official Registry of Breeders to guarantee the purity of the race and origin of the bulls; the technical and infrastructure requirements for the bullrings; the role and prerogatives of the President of the arena; the rights and obligations of the public, etc.

However, it is the internal perspective which makes the regulation of bullfighting unique. The Royal Decree 145/1996 contains also the "regulae artis" of bullfighting, what in sports would be the rules or the laws of the game, as well as the sanctions to be imposed by the public administration in case these are infringed.

In a different order, bullfighters in their consideration as artists, have their own particular employment status enshrined in the Royal Decree 1435/1985 applicable to the special employment relationships of artists in public spectacles, and the so-called national collective bargaining agreement for bullfighting 28. This set of rules depart from the general employment law and from professional athletes, introducing elements to make employment contracts with bullring administrators more flexible and secure the payment of the remuneration of bullfighters 29.

What does the future hold for bullfighting?

The historically confusing legal status of bullfighting at a national level has led to a somewhat chaotic regulation that is currently trying to be addressed by the Constitutional Court. Spain is a decentralized state with 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities, 30 all having regulatory competences (in some case shared with the State, in some case of exclusive nature) over many matters, such as pubic spectacles, culture or animal welfare and protection.

In short, the fact that Law 10/1991 defines bullfights as being a public spectacle, and that public spectacles are not under the exclusive competence of the State, was used by some regions to regulate it. This risks affecting the integrity and/or purity of the event. Similarly, and although as a general rule, bullfighting, fishing, hunting or scientific investigation, constitute exceptions to most animal protection laws 31, some regions decided to use their competences on this area to alter bullfighting or prohibit it altogether.

It is widely known that in 2010, the Catalan Parliament amended the regional law on animal protection explicitly banning bullfighting, while maintaining the right to celebrate other popular festivities like running the bulls 32. This last circumstance, was seen by many as an act of political interest addressed against Spanish culture rather than an act aiming at the protection of animals rights. The ban was overturned by the Spanish Constitutional Court on 20 October 2016 33 ruling that the Catalan Parliament had exceeded its authority by invading the State exclusive competence to regulate the Spanish common cultural heritage, and that it violated the above referred constitutional rights to cultural expression and the principle of freedom of market.

Equally, last year the Balearic Islands, prohibited the use of ornamented barbs and killing the bull during the corrida ( bloodless bullfight - known as " toros a la Balear"). This case is currently pending before the Constitutional Court, while the prohibition is in force, leading to what has been the first season without bullfights. However, based on the arguments presented by the Court in the 2016 decision, it seems clear that from a strict regulatory point of view, the competences over what is considered to be the inner essence of bullfighting ( and that includes the killing of the bull) belong to the State, whereas only the external or policy aspects (e.g. minimum age to attend the event etc.) can be regulated at a regional level.

Nowadays, Law 18/2013 for the regulation of tauromachy [bullfighting] as cultural heritage, is aware of the diversity of opinions and expressly refers to the different sensibilities around bullfighting, but it also admits that -in this moment in time- there is a majority consensus accepting the cultural, historical and traditional character of tauromachy that must be protected and guaranteed.

It is impossible to predict whether public perception will shift or not in the future. History however, tells us that only popular support for the " sport " has made it possible overcome all political attempts to prohibit it. Whether this will change or not remains to be seen.

Views 5330

Related Articles

About the Author

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The shifting legal landscape of bullfighting in Spain

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The spectacle of bullfighting has always been marred by controversy, and it remains a contentious and much debated topic in Spain and around the world.1 On the one hand, it has zealous followers who support and enjoy bullfighting; and on the other, sections of the population who consider it to be a cruel and barbaric event.

# data[].attributes.body
Prior to reading the articles, I was familiar with Spanish bullfighting and bull running as a comical and very dangerous activity. A bullfighting scene has been depicted in many cartoons and movies. From my childhood I remember a cartoon that involved bugs bunny getting involved with a bull fight. In one instance bugs bunny waves the red cape and the bull comes running into it,  only there is a giant steel weight that the bulls runs into and gets knocked out. Afterwards, bugs bunny is applauded and showered with roses. This whole scenario popped into my mind when I read the article “Thousands rally in Madrid to demand an end to bullfighting.” Initially the event looks like a rodeo clown trying to not get injured by the animal, however it is the animal that is being abused. Although bull fighting has been a part of Spanish culture and tradition, I do agree with the statement in this article that, “[...]our laws should prohibit the torture of animals as a form of entertainment.” The event of bullfighting can essentially be viewed from 2 perspectives. One being it is a classic form of Spanish cultural entertainment. Or two it is an event that promotes the abuse and mistreatment of animals.

Bugs Bunny Cartoon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14KTu4i27j8

Here is a video showing the bullfighting process which mentions flesh wounds occuring to the animal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyZTA3RX5Y8

# data[].attributes.body
My first reaction to reading these articles is that I am shocked. I knew that this had been a tradition of Spain, but I was unaware that it was still such a popular aspect of the culture. One of the articles makes a point of how the Bull fighting to Spaniards is more than hurting animals, and brings to light the  point that  it is apart of their history and culture. I was very surprised to read that cities were the ones funding the bull fighting. The article stated that many cities had now cut the funding to these events. I think it is interesting that they refer to them as majestic and look at them with admiration. I am having a hard time understating the connection between that, and the harm that is done to these animals through the fighting process. As animals rights gain momentum and continue to grow, I am interested to see for how many more generations this will continue to be a strong tradition for Spaniards. https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/12/europe/bullfighting-spain-politics-scli-intl/index.html

# data[].attributes.body
Whenever I watch a movie with Spain as a central location, the plot almost always includes a bull scene. Its incredibly iconic, and definitely something that makes Spain and its history so unique. I am a large proponent for animal rights, but saying so is still hypocritical. Its such a touchy subject, and I despise discussing it. I'm not a vegan, and still eat meat relatively frequently. The slaughter of animals for food is by far more gruesome and savage than ending a bull's life in the ring, but its not stopping anytime soon. Out of sight out of mind is okay for most people, but we can't ignore the facts. I can't argue for or against bullfighting. As with most things, its unclear where to draw the moral line. Bullfighting may be barbaric, but at least its transparent, has cultural importance and a deep history.

As for the bull run, I don't think I'd ever do it, and I don't have to! That's the point. Nobody is forced to, they have to volunteer. They know the risks, and as with everything else, should be held accountable for their decisions.

https://www.nytimes.com/1994/08/31/movies/film-review-on-bullfighting-as-ritual-and-code-of-machismo.html

# data[].attributes.body
The culture of bull fighting in Spain is a very interesting debate between history in sport and animal cruelty. Being a naive American I guess I had always assumed that in bull fights and the running of the bulls ended in the bulls being tired out and taken back to stables not killed in the stadiums for the enjoyment of the audience. I can definitely see both sides of the argument. On one hand it seems extremely unnecessary to kill the bulls in such a gory and public fashion for the entertainment of on lookers especially considering there are a myriad of sports to watch now. I can also see the people that want the fights to continue because of its traditions. Personally, I think killing the bulls is wrong and it seems that there would be other options. That being said I have always wanted to go to the run of the bulls it sounds like such an adrenaline rush.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/07/10/spain-bullfighting/2327089/

This article is about
young bull fighters and their thoughts on the sport and what it means to them.

# data[].attributes.body
I think That the running of the bulls in Spain represents a very important par of Spanish culture. I slo think this is s perfect example of how traditions change over time as peoples opinions change. I think there are two sides for this argument. One of them is preserving the past of Spain even though it might seem as crude or offensive. Because at its core its an important part of the country’s history. ON the counter argument this can be seen as a massive waste of life for both the human participants of the events and the animals that participate in it. I found an article from CNN that stated that 8 people where injured during the opening day of the runnung. Yes there are traditions that have to be upheld and preserved , but when people are getting hurt and animals are dying I think that it is important to look past traditions and look at what is being risked. I think that this topic will face some difficulties when trying to end or change the event because of its history. I thought that it was really interesting reading the guardians article about bullfighting , especially people denouncing their nationality because of the running of the bulls representation in spain.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/08/europe/running-of-the-bulls-injuries/index.html

# data[].attributes.body
I've known about Spanish bullfighting and when I was younger I thought they just left the animal alone after. I had know idea till later that they had a spear under the red cloak and the point was to kill the bull. It makes me a little happy to know people are protesting this now. I don't see the point of killing animals just for sport, it seems unreasonable to me and inhuman to do this to an innocent animal that you keep caged up and then agitate for it to become aggressive.
I can understand that this is a big part of Spanish culture and that that should be respected but I see no point in harming animals just for the sake of tradition. I think the most interesting thing is Ernest Hemingway's novel about the interest of Spanish bull fighting.
Here is an article I found that is very recent about the debate on Spain and it's long tradition with bullfighting

https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/12/europe/bullfighting-spain-politics-scli-intl/index.html

# data[].attributes.body
When I think of bullfighting, it seems like a very touchy subject. On one hand I see it as cruel and unfair to the animal, but on the other hand I also try my best to respect various cultures and their traditions. That being said, the article, “Thousands rally in Madrid to demand an end to bullfighting,” claims that thousands of people gather in Madrid to protest bullfighting. I am very curious to see what Marta’s opinion on bullfighting is because no matter how hard I try to understand and respect this tradition, reading about it makes me upset. I disagree with the act all together, but the instances where the bull is essentially prodded, poked and tortured to death makes me see red (no pun intended). In my opinion, if bullfighting can be done in a respectful manner towards the animal I am sort of okay with it. When the animal is killed for essentially celebration is when I become concerned. Below I have attached a link to an article I found on bullfighting. This article discusses the facts and myths about bullfighting. After reading this article the myth that bothered me the most is that bulls are very aggressive and dangerous animals. This is in fact untrue, it is the acts of the matador that makes the bull act aggressive and erratic, because it is frightened and confused.  http://www.stopbullfighting.org.uk/facts.htm

# data[].attributes.body
The concept and topic of bull runs has always made me grimace when contemplating it. These thoughts have coincided with an image of potentially getting rammed by the horns of a bull, and that always made me shutter. These articles reminded me of the sobering reality of the painful experiences of not only the people who have gotten gored in these events, but also of the bulls, who are usually fatally wounded by the end of the run. It interests me so much that an event that would make me so incredibly uncomfortable could be something so meaningful and exciting for others. The New York Times article included in our readings spoke a little bit about this perspective, and I appreciated being able to explore a completely different approach to bull running. I think that perhaps the most interest thing to me from the sources was that Ernest Hemingway's 1926 novel, The Sun Also Rises, was the story that made bull running a phenomenon of international interest. I would have never guessed!

The article that I found outside of the sources given to us was one about the events that occur after the bull runs. The story covers the work of Martin Moro, a taxidermist who has a deal with the organizers of the bulls at the Festival of San Fermin. He preserves the heads of the animals, post-run, and sells them to the runners, and interestingly, those who are near fatally wounded by the bulls. I thought the article was very insightful to the culture of the people who are devoted to these events, and how they view bulls outside of the runs.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/02/sports/taxidermist-running-of-the-bulls.html

# data[].attributes.body
After reading through the content provided, I realized I had little background on bullfighting and bull running. I assumed that it was dangerous, but I did not fully consider the animal cruelty that coincides with it. These traditions of bull fighting date back to the 13th century and are considered by many to be a Spanish tradition. After reading each article and considering each side I was in support of this tradition coming to an end, although after reading the New York Times article I found it interesting that Mr. Hollander had a much different view point then the others from the articles I read before. He stated that it was not a tradition that was a sport but rather a way to pay homage to the bulls. This made me consider the tradition in a different way, not that I believe it is a tradition that should be kept but rather it helped me understand why those who support it want to preserve the tradition.

After learning that in 1974 woman were then allowed to take part in the bull fighting tradition, I became interested in learning more about how woman are involved in it now. Below I have provided two links, one explaining the controversy surrounding bull fighting in Madrid and the second is a 4-minute interview of a woman who is a bull fighter and her experience. She explains that she feels mostly supported and her triumphs with her profession of bull fighting.

Spain’s Traditional Bullfighting Sparks Controversy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3bhUumFgSM

Spain’s Elite Female Bullfighter – BBC REEL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZhMB9xZU6M